Payton Turner, DE medical report

Payton Turner, a former Saints first-round pick, lands with the Lions after overcoming injuries. His talent flashes a promising new chapter.

Detroit Lions add defensive end Payton Turner to 2026 roster in free agency.

The Detroit Lions announced Friday they signed Payton Turner, a former first-round pick. Turner, 27, has appeared in 31 regular-season games over five seasons.

Jerry Jones watched on as his Dallas Cowboys had another disappointing NFL season in 2025, losing four of their last five games and finishing with a 7-9-1 record. With the poor finish to the season, the Cowboys finished second in the NFC East, missing out on the playoffs for a second consecutive year. Now, Jones has turned to the offseason in hopes of bringing Dallas back to the postseason.

The Lions have added some defensive depth.

A rib injury sidelined him with the Cowboys, and now the Lions are giving Payton Turner a shot. The Saints draft bust is in "now or never" territory.